Green Cleaning with Essential Oils

If you are looking to live a greener life, and ease the burden of toxins and plastics on our planet, one great area to focus on is green cleaning.

Why Green Cleaning is Important

Sustainability and eco-conscious living are becoming more important with people today. Finding ways to maintain a clean home without relying on harsh chemicals is a priority for many of us.

Conventional cleaning products sometimes contain harsh chemicals that can harm us and the environment. When these products wash down the drain, they enter waterways and can disrupt aquatic ecosystems. Many cleaning agents contain phosphates, which, when washed down drains make their way into our water systems. This promotes algae growth in waterways, leading to oxygen depletion and harming marine life. Additionally, the production and disposal of these chemicals contribute to pollution and waste, making environmental issues worse. By switching to green cleaning methods using essential oils, you can significantly reduce your ecological footprint, support a healthier you and a healthier planet.

How Essential Oils Can Help

A few staple ingredients, including essential oils, provide more natural, powerful and aromatic cleaning agents. Essential oils may help in tackling dirt and grime, offering a host of benefits, making them an excellent choice for eco-friendly home cleaning.

Essential oils such as lemon, tea tree, and lavender contain chemical components that have been shown to be antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal. Plus, these natural compounds fill your living spaces with refreshing aromas.

Beyond their cleaning potentials, essential oils contribute to a healthier indoor environment. Conventional cleaning products often release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can adversely affect indoor air quality. Essential oils, when chosen carefully, may help to reduce the risk of respiratory issues and skin irritations. Plus, the pleasant scents of essential oils can enhance your mood and create a calming or invigorating atmosphere, depending on the oils you choose.

Learning about green cleaning solutions with essential oils is part of the growing trend towards sustainable living. By making this simple switch, you’re not only using fewer potentially harmful chemicals but also reducing your environmental footprint.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the various essential oils that are particularly effective for green cleaning, share easy DIY recipes for making your own green cleaning solutions, and offer tips on incorporating these natural alternatives into your daily cleaning routine. Let’s dive into the world of essential oils and discover how you can make your own DIY green cleaning recipes.

Essential Oils for Green Cleaning

There are a few essential oils that stand out as great choices for green cleaning. Since you don’t need very much, here are my favourites. These oils are effective, easy to find, and easy to mix and match.

1. Lemon (Citrus limon)

Lemon essential oil contains gamma-terpinene which has been shown to be an antibacterial. Lemon’s component beta-pinene has been shown to be antimicrobial. The component d-limonene helps to give lemon its signature scent. It acts as a cleanser and degreaser. Remember that citrus oils are phototoxic, so if you are green cleaning in the summer you must wear gloves and avoid skin exposure to the sun within 12 hours of use of the oil.

2. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender’s component linalool has antimicrobial action. The component terpinene-4-ol has shown antibacterial properties. Lavender can help create an inviting atmosphere into the room you are cleaning with its familiar, calming scent.

3. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)

The chemical component menthone is an antimicrobial, while eucalyptol has been shown to have antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

4. Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Long known for cleansing actions of various types, tea tree essential oil contains gamma-terpinene which has been shown to be an antibacterial. As mentioned with lavender, terpinene-4-ol has shown antibacterial properties, while a-terpinene shows antifungal and antibacterial properties.

5. Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris)

Nothing brings the scent of the outdoors inside your home quite like conifers. The component a-pinene has shown antibacterial and antiviral properties, while limonene also has antibacterial action.

Tips for Effective and Safe Cleaning

When you incorporate essential oils into your cleaning routine, follow these tips to ensure both effectiveness and safety in your green cleaning efforts.

Dos and Don’ts of Using Essential Oils for Cleaning

Do:

• Dilute Properly: Always dilute essential oils before use. Mix them with carriers to prevent irritation and maximize their cleaning power.
• Use Gloves: Protect your skin from irritation by using gloves while you make your cleaner and while you are using it.
• Know Your Surfaces: Don’t use essential oils on porous surfaces (laminate, granite, and some tiles, etc.). If you have kitchen counters or floors that are made of porous materials, use recipes that do not contain essential oils. Essential oils can degrade and ruin these surfaces over time.
• Use Glass Containers: Store your green cleaning solutions in glass jars and bottles, especially if they contain essential oils, which can degrade plastic over time. PET plastic jars and bottles are also an option for storage.
• Label Your Solutions: Clearly label each bottle with its contents and the date it was made. This helps you keep track of what’s inside and ensures you use the solutions while they’re still effective.

Don’t:

• Don’t Overuse Essential Oils: A little goes a long way. Avoid using too much essential oil in your mixtures to prevent overpowering scents and potential irritation. Just a few drops will do.
• Don’t Mix with Essential Oils With Other Cleaners: Never mix essential oils with bleach or other harsh chemicals. This may create dangerous reactions. If you are looking to tone down the scent of a commercial cleaner it probably won’t.
• Don’t Use on Delicate Surfaces: As stated above, avoid using essential oils on delicate and porous surfaces like untreated wood, silks, laminate, granite, some tiles or certain types of stone, as they can cause damage.
• Don’t Make a Huge Batch: It’s best to make smaller amounts and wash your containers when you are finished green cleaning, or store only a small amount. This will help prevent your recipe from expiring.

Start small. Get your feet wet with this simple All Purpose Cleaner. For more DIY green cleaning recipes with essential oils check out the partner blog post here!

All Purpose Cleaner

The more I discover about cleaning ingredients and surfaces in our homes, the more I feel that there really is no all purpose cleaner, except for something that is very mild. Many ingredients may dull or scratch your surfaces. It is important to know what the surfaces in your house are made of so that you can make the best decision for cleaning your environment.

This recipe uses water and unscented liquid soap. Remember that less is often more, and that you are responsible for knowing the what the surfaces are in your home so that you do not damage them.

Always make sure you do a spot test with any new product.

Store green cleaning products in a dark place away from light and heat.Ensure that the cupboard is locked so that kids and pets cannot access these products.

If you experience any skin sensitivities or reactions of any kind while using a natural product, discontinue use immediately and seek advice from a medical professional.